Keep the kids entertained in Leicester

If you’re the proud owner of a small child – or possibly more than one – congratulations! No doubt you’ll have read the manual by now, so you don’t need us to tell you about the emotional rollercoaster of joy, tears, laughter, impatience, unconditional love, frustration and silliness these tiny little despots bring into your life, all served on a delicious backdrop of very little sleep.

But hey, who needs sleep anyway? And if you’re currently spending your days ‘treating yourself’ to a wee because it means five minutes’ peace from your pint-sized overlords, we’ve got some great news for you. Leicester and Leicestershire are like one big children’s playground, packed with attractions and entertainment to suit every budget, age range and emerging personality.

Abbey Park, so easily accessible from the city centre, is a great place to venture if the kids need to let off some steam.  It has a large play park, an adorable Pets’ Corner, a great little cafe owned and operated by fantastic local charity LOROS, and a narrow-gauge railway to ride on at weekends. With the remains of Leicester’s historic abbey to explore and a riverside walk, it’s easy to spend a day here.

Out in the county, Conkers Discovery Centre is a family favourite for outdoorsy fun – although it also has a huge interactive indoor play area too. The barefoot walk at Conkers will get you back to nature – take off your shoes and wallow in mud, wince over the stones and feel the grass beneath your feet. For adrenaline junkies, there’s a zipwire and high-ropes course, while younger children will enjoy a ride on the Conkerchoo train and fantastic adventure playground with its fun tube slides.

Hicks Lodge is great for biking fun – and it hires out tagalongs and trailers so you can cycle round the lake with small ones. For older children, try the exciting mountain bike trails that wind through the new woodland at this former coalmining site.

Bradgate Park is, of course, a Leicestershire institution and somewhere many of the locals remember fondly from their own childhood. Venture a little farther afield and you can wander through the woodland at Swithland Wood, or hike up to Beacon Hill for some great views. 

Back in the city, you’ll find that urban landscapes can be just as exciting as natural ones, so don’t underestimate the power of Jubilee Square, the dinosaur gallery at New Walk Museum and Orton Square in St George’s Cultural Quarter as great places for a good old-fashioned runaround.

The Phoenix must get a further mention for its family-friendly atmosphere and sensibly-priced popcorn, plus baby friendly film screenings for a fiver! And if you stay for lunch or a snack, there’s a range of board games for you to check out while you wait for your food. A leisurely brunch here is a treat the whole family will enjoy.